Oluyole PDP Appointees Raise N2m To Support Members Across Wards
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — APPOINTEES in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have raised over ₦2 million to support members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the council’s 10 wards.
The fund, generated through a 10 per cent statutory deduction from elected officials and political appointees, is aimed at strengthening party structures and providing support for members at the grassroots.
This was disclosed on Friday during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held at the Local Government Council Secretariat in Idi-Ayunre.
The meeting, convened by the Executive Chairman, Akeem Olatunji, alongside the PDP Chairman in Oluyole, Nasiru Hamzat, brought together party leaders, executives, and political appointees to address internal party matters and foster unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the meeting, Olatunji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that the initiative aligns with the governance style of Governor Seyi Makinde.
He explained that the funds would be disbursed to support party members, assist leaders, and reinforce the PDP’s grassroots presence across all wards in the local government.
According to him, such internal support mechanisms are essential for sustaining political cohesion and ensuring the party remains formidable at the grassroots level.
Olatunji also commended Governor Makinde for his continued support for grassroots development, urging party members to remain loyal to his political structure.
“The surest path for us is to stay united and continue to support His Excellency. That is how we can sustain progress and secure our political future,” he said.
The council chairman further called on state-level appointees from Oluyole to comply with the 10 per cent deduction policy in order to strengthen the party.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Babalola Afobaje, said he had consistently contributed to the initiative even before it was formally emphasized, pledging to encourage wider participation among appointees.
Similarly, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Oluyole Federal Constituency, Olumide Akinlade, endorsed the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of the PDP in the area.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Depo Oyedokun, described the meeting as unprecedented in Oluyole’s political history, noting that such a broad-based stakeholders’ engagement had not been witnessed since 2003.
He commended Olatunji for promoting unity and visionary leadership, expressing optimism that the renewed cohesion would translate into electoral success in 2027.
Also speaking, the PDP Chairman in Oluyole, Nasiru Hamzat, urged leaders across the 10 wards to actively participate in party activities, stressing that strengthening the party should not be left to ward executives alone.
Hamzat praised the council chairman’s transparency in managing party funds, noting that it has fostered trust and inclusiveness among members.
“With the recent increase in salaries of local government appointees by Governor Makinde, this initiative could have been handled differently. However, the chairman’s approach has ensured shared ownership and accountability,” he said.
The meeting was attended by several party stakeholders, including Ayuba Balogun; Chairman of the Oyo State Education Trust Fund, Abdul Rahmon AbdulRaheem; immediate past PDP Chairman in Oluyole, Adegbola Mukaila; and former council chairmen, Popoola Olaide (Settle) and Kehinde Abore.
Others present included the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Taofeek Azeez, as well as supervisory councillors, special assistants, ward chairmen, and other party executives.
In their closing remarks, stakeholders unanimously reaffirmed their loyalty to Governor Makinde and pledged to strengthen party unity ahead of the next electoral cycle.